Abstract: A method of making acrylic acid in liquid phase by contacting a feed stream containing lactic acid, lactide, or mixtures thereof with a molten salt catalyst comprising a protic ionic liquid (PIL), which contains a bromide anion (Br?), is provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include a reactor comprising: a reaction chamber having a lower region defining a sorbent collection zone; a first feed device supplying reactants to the reaction chamber; a second feed device supplying a liquid sorbent to the reaction chamber; a discharge device connected to the sorbent collection zone for removing sorbent from the sorbent collection zone; and a cooling device for cooling the sorbent in the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include a reactor for carrying out equilibrium-limited reactions comprising: a reaction chamber for receiving a catalyst; a sorption chamber for receiving a sorption agent; a feedstock feeding device; a sorption agent feeding device; and a gas-permeable element separating the reaction chamber from the sorption chamber, wherein the gas-permeable element repels particles of the sorption agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating formic acid from a reaction mixture which comprises, in addition to formic acid, a polyoxometalate ion of general formula [PMoxVyO40]n?, where 6?x?11, 1?y?6, x+y=12 and 3<n<10, where n, x and y are each integers, wherein the separation occurs by means of an extraction using a linear primary alcohol, wherein the carbon chain of the alcohol comprises 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and the reaction mixture is present in a protic solvent.

Abstract: A method of making acrylic acid in liquid phase by contacting a feed stream containing lactic acid, lactide, or mixtures thereof with a molten salt catalyst comprising a protic ionic liquid (PIL), which contains a bromide anion (Br?), is provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to converting equilibrium-limited reactions. Various embodiments may include methods and apparatus for such reactions, such as a method for converting equilibrium-limited reactions comprising: delivering a catalyst material to a reaction zone of a reactor; delivering starting materials into the reaction zone; reacting the materials to form a product; introducing a sorbent into the reactor; taking up the products with the sorbent; and collecting the sorbent once it is loaded with products in a collection zone of the reactor. In some embodiment, the reaction zone is separated from the collection zone in the reactor.

Abstract: Methods for making acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof by contacting a feed stream containing lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with a molten salt catalyst comprising an ionic liquid (IL) and an acid in liquid phase are provided.

Abstract: Catalysts for the dehydration of lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof in liquid phase comprising an ionic liquid (IL) and an acid are provided.

Abstract: Catalysts for the dehydration of lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof to acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof in liquid phase comprising an ionic liquid (IL) and an acid are provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to chemical synthesis. The teachings thereof may be embodied in methods for chemical synthesis and/or reactors for synthesis. The teaching may increase the conversion of equilibrium-limited reactions in a single pass through a synthesis reactor. For example, a method may include: introducing a synthesis reactant into a reaction chamber with a prevailing pressure p1; forming a synthesis product; discharging the product and any unreacted reactant; separating the product from the unreacted reactant; and introducing the unreacted reactant into a second reaction chamber with a prevailing pressure p2 lower than the pressure p1.

Abstract: Methods for making acrylic acid, acrylic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof by contacting a feed stream containing lactic acid, lactic acid derivatives, or mixtures thereof with a molten salt catalyst comprising an ionic liquid (IL) and an acid in liquid phase are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating formic acid from a reaction mixture which comprises, in addition to formic acid, a polyoxometalate ion of general formula [PMoxVyO40]n, where 6#x#11, 1#y#6, x+y=12 and 3<n<10, where n, x and y are each integers, wherein the separation occurs by means of an extraction using a linear primary alcohol, wherein the carbon chain of the alcohol comprises 5 to 12 carbon atoms, and the reaction mixture is present in a protic solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically producing formic acid. A polyoxometallate ion, which is used as a catalyst, of the general formula [PMoxVyO40]5? is brought into contact with an alpha-hydroxyaldehyde, an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, a carbohydrate, or a glycoside in a liquid solution at a temperature below 120° C., wherein 6<x<11, 1<y<6, x+y=12, and x and y are each a whole number.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for catalytically producing formic acid. A polyoxometallate ion, which is used as a catalyst, of the general formula [PMoxVyO40]5? is brought into contact with an alpha-hydroxyaldehyde, an alpha-hydroxycarboxylic acid, a carbohydrate, or a glycoside in a liquid solution at a temperature below 120° C., wherein 6<x<11, 1<y<6, x+y=12, and x and y are each a whole number.